How to get rid of fire ants

Summer is in full swing, and for many homeowners, that means enjoying the great outdoors. However, nothing can ruin a backyard barbecue or a relaxing afternoon in the sun quite like an infestation of fire ants. If you’ve ever found yourself dodging little red pests while trying to enjoy your yard, you might be wondering what steps you can take to reclaim your space and protect your family from painful bites.

To get rid of fire ants, apply a chemical insecticide specifically labeled for fire ants or use bait stations, and consider natural options like diatomaceous earth or boiling water for localized infestations.

Fire ants can be particularly aggressive and difficult to eliminate once they establish a colony in your yard. For immediate relief, consider using insecticide granules, which can be spread around the infested areas. These products target the entire colony and can be very effective, especially when applied after several rainy days when ants are more active. Alternatively, using bait stations allows the worker ants to collect the bait and bring it back to the queen, effectively wiping out the entire colony over time.

If you prefer a more natural approach, consider sprinkling diatomaceous earth around the anthill, which dehydrates the ants upon contact. You can also pour boiling water directly onto the nest, though this may require multiple applications and can only target a single mound at a time. Keeping your yard clean of food debris and minimizing standing water can help deter fire ants from returning. Always remember to wear protective clothing when dealing with fire ants to avoid painful stings.